This Banana Cream Cheesecake is a rich, creamy dessert that blends the smooth texture of a traditional cheesecake with the light, fruity essence of ripe bananas. The buttery graham cracker crust and a fluffy layer of whipped cream make it a dreamy indulgence.
Ingredients:
Crust:
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup melted butter
Cheesecake Filling:
- 24 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2 medium bananas)
Banana Cream Layer:
- 1 cup heavy cream, cold
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 (3.4 oz) package instant banana cream pudding mix
- 1 1/4 cups cold milk
Whipped Topping:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- Sliced bananas, for garnish
Instructions:
- Prepare the crust:
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Mix until well combined.
- Press the mixture into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan. Bake for 10 minutes, then remove and let cool.
- Make the cheesecake filling:
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Add the sour cream, vanilla extract, and mashed bananas, and mix until combined.
- Pour the filling over the cooled crust. Smooth the top with a spatula.
- Bake for 55-65 minutes, or until the center is just set. Turn off the oven and let the cheesecake cool in the oven with the door slightly ajar for about an hour.
- Once cooled, transfer to the refrigerator and chill for at least 4 hours or overnight.
- Make the banana cream layer:
- In a bowl, whisk together cold milk and instant banana cream pudding mix. Set aside to thicken.
- In a separate bowl, whip the cold heavy cream and powdered sugar until stiff peaks form. Fold the whipped cream into the prepared pudding mix.
- Spread the banana cream mixture over the chilled cheesecake layer.
- Whipped topping:
- Whip the heavy cream and powdered sugar together until stiff peaks form. Spread the whipped cream over the banana cream layer.
- Garnish:
- Top the cheesecake with freshly sliced bananas just before serving.
- Chill:
- Refrigerate for at least another hour before serving to allow all layers to set perfectly.